The offseason is basically done, but James van Riemsdyk is still yet to be signed by a team. And with him being a pure example of a consistent offensive player, why not the Rangers?
Van Riemsdyk, also known as JVR, the veteran forward, has not gone one year without scoring less than 10 goals in his 15 years in the NHL. And he's got the experience on the ice to back it up. Just last year on March 5, 2024, he recorded his 1,000th NHL game; he logged two shots in the process against the Edmonton Oilers.
Coming from the USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, he was selected No. 2 by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2007 NHL Draft. On a more personal level, he comes from a hockey family. Van Riemsdyk is the older brother of Trevor van Riemsdyk, a defenseman who followed him to the NHL.
Fast forwarding to the present, at 35-years-old JVR still has some gas left in his tank. This past season with the Boston Bruins, he recorded 38 points across 11 goals and 27 assists in 71 games. He also averaged 13:30 minutes.
Just two seasons ago, he had 24 goals for the Philadelphia Flyers but was often overshadowed or overlooked by others on their roster.
In just his rookie year — 2009-2010 — JVR finished No. 11 in the voting for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHL's top rookie, in part because he scored 21 goals that year.
JVR is the perfect player for the Rangers to give a chance as he looks to remain on the ice.
With the Blueshirts, van Riemsdyk can serve as a reliable bottom-six forward who could increase his role throughout the entirety of the season.
JVR has been a longtime rival of the Rangers, but the time is now to bring him to Madison Square Garden.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also in the market looking for a new left winger ahead of next season. Analyst and former NHL defenseman Frankie Corrado spoke on TSN 1050’s "OverDrive" show on Aug. 29, where he also said the Maple Leafs should take van Riemsdyk.
So, if the Rangers want him, the time to act is now.